Annie's Blog

I know this is an oldie interview in the Internet world, but I had to post it.  I’m saving this for my own records as it’s a memorable interview to look back on — it’s very motivational.

60 Minutes had a chance to sit and interview Conan O’Brien after the Tonight Show debacle that happened earlier this year. Towards the end of the interview, Conan closes off his interview on a bright note:

I do believe…and this might be my Catholic upbringing or Irish magical thinking, but I think things happen for a reason, I really do.

Directly from the 60 Minutes website, you can enjoy the full 60 Minutes interview with Conan O’Brien:

Considering that Europe had 13 countries qualified for the 2010 FIFA, check out @Comscore‘s
share of unique visitors chart in May 2010 for FIFA.com:

Although Latin America makes up only 8.6% of the total Internet population, it managed to deliver 39.2% of Fifa.com’s traffic in May.  I also pulled a May 2010 website report for FIFA.com through Google Trends, and it listed the following top 10 countries delivering the most unique visitors –

1. United States
2. Brazil
3. United Kingdom
4. South Africa
5. Germany
6. France
7. Mexico
8. India
9. Canada
10. Colombia

Although the US ranks as the top region for the month on the site, it is perhaps Brazil, Mexico and Colombia driving the most combined traffic to FIFA.com.

If you check out the June 2010 Google Trends all region search report I pulled for Fifa.com below, you’ll see that 8 out of the 10 top regions are searches from Latin American countries. The same applied toward top cities, 9 out of the 10 top cities searching for FIFA.com are coming from Latin America as well. I’m not sure if it’s a bug, but Lithuanian pops up as the top language for the report.

Perhaps this might explain why I kept on encountering Latin American flags while playing FIFA World Football Trivia. Hey, from 675,000 registered users I’m ranked 2,927 for top quiz scoring!

Are Latin Americans more into gaming?  Are they spending more time on the site? Is FIFA.com the most detailed and up-to-date web destination for those countries?  Not sure, but the site did get a major facelift operation compared to the 2006 site which you can kind of see here through Internet Archive.

If you all haven’t dropped by FIFA.com lately, it offers a wide range of interactive multi-player games, fantasy football, detailed player and team information, custom avatars for registered users (as you can see mine above!), social networking integration, and plenty more.

I normally don’t post two posts in a day, not even a week! I had to share with you all this video that came via @jocelyn_lai. If you’ve ever worked in media, this vid will have a special place in your heart ;)

Fresh from CNET.com, Google Launches Tool for Searching Public Data.

I’m sure a few people made a few disgruntled faces at the announcement, “Oh gee…what will Google come out with next…” However, I’m really excited about this one! If you’ve ever even tried navigating through the US Census Bureau or the World Bank site, their data is spewed all over the place and it’s a little difficult to navigate through. Ah well, those that thought they were special (like me) by being able to navigate the sites pre-Google Public Data Explorer, well now everyone can do so–at a breeze! :)

Here’s my little World Internet Usage chart vs US, UK and Sweden.

…and it only took a few seconds to produce! Thank you Google! /waves

I’m currently reading Search Engine Society: Digital Media and Society Series by Alexander Halavais.  I haven’t finished reading the book yet, but I just had to share this clever quote that Halavais quoted from Shakespeare’s Troilus and Cressida:

And in such indexes, although small pricks
To their subsequent volumes, there is seen
The baby figure of the giant mass
Of things to come at large.

Who knew that Shakespeare had been thinking about search engines in 1602 :)

I was checking out my usual Tech Dirt reads when something appeared to have actually drawn me away from my normal blog read.  Let me add that it’s on very rare occasions that I actually notice any banner ads.

Click on the thumbnail to the left to check out the screenshot of this pretty cool American Express Open campaign .  For about 2 seconds, I honestly thought it was a new section in the blog.  The first thing that popped into my head was that I remembered that, just recently, @eMarketer tweeted, “Stat of the day: 43% of B2B companies in North America have acquired customers through a corporate blog. (Via @HubSpot).”  AmEx is definitely going in the right direction!

When you click on a forum discussion (in this case, the lunch topic) on the left side of the ad, you’re taken to: http://www.openforum.com/idea-hub/topics/money/article/when-is-lunch-deductible-thursday-bram.  Serviced by AmEx, Open Forum is this rather nifty social media hub for small business owners to connect.  Of course there’s a small catch, you need an Open card in order to be a member!  Too bad I only have AmEx Blue ;)

However, I am curious as to how many people ended up clicking on either the right banner to get driven away to apply to a card or the left section which leads to the Open Forum.

In any case, Open Forum offers the opportunity to help small business owners connect with  other small business owners like themselves.   According to the “About” video (which should be made embeddable!), after a users fills in their profile, it’ll be tailored to that particular user.  There’s a forum feed to seek advice, idea hub from industry experts and an event section.

What makes this different from social networking sites? Well…it’s niched, customized and relevant.   That’s really where the next generation of social networking is going.  Hey, there’s already http://www.sermo.com for doctors :)

I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted an update, but if you follow me on Twitter @AnnieSarabia I’m always linking stories and chatting about random digitalness. However, just last week I was informed about a documentary that aired on PBS called Digital Nation (Correspondents: Douglas Rushkoff & Rachel Dretzin).

It’s about an hour and a half long and it’s divided in eight parts that highlights where we are with digital today and where it’s going. The parts range from South Korea’s gaming craze, teaching technology, are future generations getting dumber, relationships, multitasking to virtual worlds and more!

I just got through viewing the documentary online, and I strongly encourage anyone to watch this film, from those that work with the digital industry to those that have a minute interest in digital as a general subject.

I’ve embedded the trailer below or you can view the entire documentary directly at: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/digitalnation/view/

This might seem like common sense to some of you, but you’d be surprised how many people just don’t think about the things below when looking for a job abroad. This list won’t guarantee you a job in Sweden, but I assure you that it will keep you busy and on your feet.

I wish everyone the best of luck in your job hunting endeavors in Sweden!  Please feel free to comment to add some more to this list.

———

1. Be patient!
You will cry, breakdown and kick & scream because no one is calling you back for a job interview.

2. Motivation
This goes hand in hand with being patient.  You’ll have ups and downs while trying to find a job in Sweden, you just always have to think postively and look forward to something turning up eventually.  Don’t give up! What I have listed on this post should keep your brain busy!

3. Work Permit
If you have one already, that’s a plus in the decision making process for a job.  It’s rare to find a company that’s willing to sponsor a random person from X country. Hey, you might get lucky!

4. Learn the language (at least some)
Your CV/resume will get noticed more if you show you’re at least attempting to learn the language.

5. Write the CV in English
If that’s your primary language, don’t lie and put it in Swedish.  Next thing you know you’ll be called to an interview required to speak fluent Swedish.

6. Your CV
If you’ve never had your CV professionally edited or at least checked by a friend who works in a similar industry — Houston, we’ve got a problem.

7. Help from native English speakers or Swedish if you’re almost fluent
Before you hit that send button or attachment, please — I’m begging! Have both your CV and emails checked by native speakers — they can clean up any mistakes or typos! I’ve done edits for a few friends, it’s practically a face lift operation.

8. Expand Your Options
You’ll probably want that awesome job in Stockholm, however, if you expand your options to Göteborg and Malmö your job chances will increase — you might even get relocation covered! If you have a significant other who is Swedish, make them move along with you, besides, you moved to Sweden for them! :)

9. Job Recruitment Websites (i.e. Academic Search, Academic Work and similar)
Your CV might go into the black-hole-of-doom, however, keep on trying to apply for any posting you think you might qualify for.  Even if the posting is in Swedish, go ahead and send the CV in English! If they like you enough, you might get called back!

10. Company Recruitment Websites
Your chances are increased as you’re applying directly through the company’s website, however, keep in mind that X company might have internal employees applying for the same position.  Like the above, you gotta give it a try! Don’t give up!

11. Job Search Websites (AMS, Workey.se, Monster.se, JobsinStockholm.com, CareerBuilder.se, Careerjet.se)
Cool sources, you’ll find lots of jobs that might fit you — apply, apply and apply! Try this: Search for the words, “ENGLISH” or “ENGELSKA” and you’ll get all the wonderful job postings that are (1) in English and (2) require a fluent or native English speaker.  You’ll find job postings in Español too, try that in the search field or type in whatever language you’re fluent in — you might get some results!  You can also sign up for email alerts through CareerBuilder.se and Monster.se, just specify which country and area of expertise.  For example, I received both media and English email alerts.

12. Local newspaper websites
Aftonbladet, DN.se and your local area paper have job postings on there — dig, dig, dig! Additionally, you can keep up with your local industry from those papers too! If you can possibly find out that X company is opening an office in the town you’re located in, contact them!

13. Websites relevant to your field
If you work in marketing or advertising, DagensMedia and Resume.se are great sources to keep up with the industry, both also have job sections on their site.  If you work in another industry, please Google it — if you can’t find anything check out #14.

14. TheLocal.se
Become a part of the family in the discussion forums, there are people (like me) willing to help out others with questions about Sweden.  Please don’t be a troll, no one like trolls.

15. Your favorite companies and similar
What industry do you work in? Who are the top companies to work for? Are they an international company? Try and aim for companies that have offices in your home country as well.  Search for those companies, then expand on that and search for companies within Sweden that are perhaps competitors in that particular industry.

16. Who are the industry professionals?
Are they popular? Find out about them, but don’t stalk them — always be professional.  Then try out #17 and #18.

17. LinkedIn & Twitter
Both forms of social media are great career outlets if you know how to use them properly.

If you have a friend or former colleague who knows someone in the Swedish industry through LinkedIn, get introduced! However, you must have a proper profile built out with at least some form of an established network — yes, even upload your photo.  If you come across an industry professional on LinkedIn that you feel might be able to advise you and you want to send them a message,  please see my (future) blog post on messaging etiquette.

You’re tired of hearing about Twitter, but guess what?  It can also help your career!  Twitter’s network actually consists of a lot of industry executives.  If they have a good following, don’t be shy to follow them!

18. Don’t be scared, ask for a FIKA
So the market hasn’t picked up yet, but that doesn’t stop you from trying to network.  A wise man once told me (Professor Gene Kincaid, UT Austin) to always ask for a coffee for meeting and greeting people.  Attention People: It Works.

19. Kill the Cover Letter
I have it linked on the lower left on this website, Killing the Cover Letter, mass mailing cover letters and resumes is how your parents found jobs. You need a new process. You need a plan that works today.  Most of the job applications are via email, but no one likes long, bulky paragraphs that ruin your attention span.

20. The Email
This is the most critical part in the job hunting process — it will make or break you.

So you found a job posting that suits you and you’re ready to apply via email.  If the posting says to put a certain subject in the subject field, make sure to do so.  If no subject is required, just put the job title.

So you haven’t found the right job posting but you found a cool company that you want to contact.  Find out who is in charge of the department you’re trying to apply for or try emailing info@nameofcompany.com.  Make sure your subject is short, relevant and to the point!

Before we get started on discussing the body of the email.  The first question you want to ask yourself is — Who are you writing to? Is it an executive of the company? Is it for a certain job? Is it to a general job inquires email?  All three of those result in 3 different types of emails you’re going to have to craft up.

The body of the email.  Where are you from? Why are you in Sweden? Do you know about the company? What’s your experience for X position in the industry? Why are you applying for X position? I’m going to share my personal opinion on this one.  If you’re a applying for a Swedish job, it’s likely that your English email might get ignored — send a follow up checking on the position. However, you might be applying to an industry that has very hectic work schedules, please understand that people can get busy and their emails clog up — send a nice friendly follow up checking up with X person or Y job position.

I’m a firm believer in that if you keep the email short, simple and relevant you’re going to get replies back.  The replies might be short or some might sound rude but that’s just a Swede with bad English. If you haven’t heard back after a 2nd follow up email, just flag it and move on.  You can try emailing the company that hasn’t gotten back to you a few months later with an updated CV — say you’ve completed SFI D, and you just wanted to let them know that you’re still job hunting.  If you still haven’t heard anything, you’ve just contacted a lazy person or someone who has a bad habit of not replying to emails!

21. Follow Up
When you’ve applied for a job, usually postings might have a closing date on the application — send a follow up after that date with a  “I’m very interested in this position” email in one or two sentences.  Note: Don’t sound desperate or your email might get thrown in the bin.  You can also follow up with a phone call — find out what the time frame is going to be for X position, show passion but not desperation.

22. Find out why
What do you do when you receive the response that you did not get the job?  First, hug your sambo.  Then, find out why.  I want to thank Markmedia for advising me to do this.  I know it may sound a bit intimidating, but when you’re attempting to “crack the code” in the Swedish job market, criticism helps.  In a very short and polite way, send an email asking what sort of other qualifications were they looking for and perhaps what you were missing as the reply will help with your job hunting in Sweden.  Make note of the response, and keep #1 and #2 in mind :)

23. Keep Track
Who are you emailing?  Start a folder in your email account and dump everything in there from those automated response emails that say “thank you for your application” to even those out of office replies.  The last thing you want to do is send emails to the same person twice.

24. College Courses
You already have a degree and you’re being stubborn as a mule and pouting at home because you just can’t find a job.  Get your bum off that couch and switch off those reruns of reality television.  Take advantage of the free education in Sweden to benefit your career — I repeat, classes are free! Not only will it benefit your career, but you’ll meet a professor that possibly worked in X industry who just might have contacts for you or be a potential Swedish recommendation if he or she knows your passion for X industry.

Stop by your local university and pick up a course booklet.  You can simultaneously attend a college course, study Swedish and actively job search.  The deadline passed to register?  Contact the course administrator.

25. University Network
Perhaps this one only applies to U.S. graduates.  Where did you graduate from?  Do you have an alumni network? Do you still keep in touch with old professors who just might know someone in Sweden who works in the industry? Find out.

Alright, I know I’m not the only one with this problem.  Well, at least I know my best friend has the same issue with this.  At first I thought it was just me, as I have a habit of staring at an email for quite some time, and double or triple checking it for errors before hitting the SEND button.

My biggest stump occurs when I sign off on my emails — what the heck do I end with?  What if the person I’m replying to already used the one I wanted to use? Does this sign off sound too rude?

Let’s evaluate a few from my inbox…

Thanks
Say it with an exclamation point (!) and a comma (,) and then ask yourself which one sounds better.  If you want to end your email with a cheerful note use, “Thanks!” it’s usually a good sign-off.  If you’re trying to be assertive in your emails “Thanks,” should be alright if you’re trying to get a point across — perhaps writing a little note to your sales rep asking why the wrong banners when up.  Avoid sending “Thanks,” to your clients, the last thing you want is having your client on your bad side.
Thank you
Similar to “Thanks” however, it’s a bit more cheerful when it signs-off as, “Thank you!” Perhaps you’re asking someone to send you a document, that’s usually a nice end.  The comma interpretation is about the same as “Thanks,” with a pinch of niceness added to it.  Make sense?
Regards
Let’s get the definition clarified thanks to BusinessDictionary.com (1) Pertaining to or showing respect, concern, and/or esteem. For example, a salesperson regards his or her clients as more important than a common office item like a paperclip (2) Formal closing in an email or letter denoting esteem and consideration from the person sending the letter or email. This one is usually a standard ending for Business English, it’s professional.
Warm regards
This one makes me giggle, I think to myself, “aww a nice warm cuddle…” It’s usually used for close friends, family or a person you know well.
Kind regards
The same as “Regards,” but with a hint of extra niceness to it.
Kindest regards
…that’s too kind
With kind regards
Swedes might be a little confused here are mixing in “Med vänliga hälsningar” which literally means “With kind regards.”  Ok, Swedes can get away with this one.  However, this has spread beyond Sweden!  Just drop the “with” it sounds awkward in business English.
Best
This one is a personal favorite, it’s sweet and professional at the same time.  I think I got into the habit of using this one because my favorite boss used it too!
All the best
So you’re wrapping up a long email to a client, highlighting a weekly report.  This one is a nice one to end with on a Friday or maybe if you’re sending it out to a team.
All best
I really hope this one is a typo, it feels incomplete! :)
Best regards
This one works interchangeably with Kind Regards, it’s simple and professional.
With best regards
Drop the with!
Take care
Following up with a colleague who called in sick to work?  Sending a message to an old friend? Writing a snail mail letter? Then it’s ok to use.
Sincerely
A bit old fashioned for Business English, this is more for snail mail letters.  Dear Mr./Mrs. Blah, blah blah blah blah…Sincerely, Ms. X
Yours sincerely
No no no, not for Business English! Keep in mind that everything I’m listing here are from business emails in my inbox :)
Sincerely yours
Cute and kind, but a bit personal and still old fashioned…

Perhaps no one really notices the closing in an email, but I do and it drives me nuts! I know I’m not the only one out there!  You can always close an email like this:

Name
John – If you’re going back and forward with emails, you can simply end with your name.
John Doe – I’d avoid this ending, it’s a bit empty, you’ll definitely need a closing!
Backslash
/John Doe
/John
Ah the cool e-closing, use it with friends and colleagues but perhaps not with client emails.
Initials
JD
If you’ve got cool initials you can sign-off your email with them! I don’t like my initials (AS), so I pass on this one ;)

I’ve listed different variations of email sign-offs, pick and choose what you think suits you best.  I’m trying to simplify your life if you over-analyze the sign-off like me!  Actually, I think by writing all of this out I’ve just helped myself!  Enjoy and feel free to comment if you can think of anymore!

I follow Dr. Augustine Fou on Twitter who is the Group Chief Digital Officer within Omnicom.  He posted a clever post on his blog on How NOT to design a web page.

He tells his readers to shrink their website down to a thumbnail size.  Your eyes should be able to focus on the core center of the website, if your eyes are moving around all over the place, then there’s going to have to be some reevaluating on the website’s design!

He lists several examples on his page that you all can check out.

Check out my little thumbnail on the left.  I think my site’s layout looks good! Focus on the right navigation to check out blogs post, blog roll, etc.  A tiny callout on my banner to check out my digital footprints, and a nice large white space for my blog ramblings.

Now this little test doesn’t apply to all websites.  Some website will have to gather your eye’s attention to different sections of the page.  Take for example most local newspaper websites in the U.S.! They have your eyeballs running all over the place!

Do the small test on your website, and see what it looks like from a thumbnail point-of-view!